The Champions League returns in February and there are some blockbuster ties.Paris Saint-Germain did not lose a game in their group but still finished second behind Benfica.They have been drawn to play German giants Bayern Munich in the last 16.Borussia Dortmund and Chelsea will also face off in what promises to be a closely contested tie.But arguably the tie of the round sees Real Madrid face Liverpool in a replay of the 2022 Champions League final.Los Blancos got the better of Liverpool in Paris last year and it will no doubt be another fascinating encounter between the two European giants.
PARIS, FRANCE - MAY 28: Luka Modric of Real Madrid is challenged by Luis Diaz of Liverpool during the UEFA Champions League final match between Liverpool FC and Real Madrid at Stade de France on May 28, 2022 in Paris, France. (Photo by Shaun Botterill/Getty Images)
Cafu selects Liverpool and Real Madrid combined XI ahead of Champions League clash
Liverpool have really struggled this season.
They are ninth in the Premier League and are in serious danger of missing out on Champions League qualification for next season.
Real Madrid have also not been at their very best by their lofty standards.
They are second in La Liga behind fierce rivals Barcelona.
But, despite not topping the league in Spain, you'd expect the vast majority of their players to feature in a combined XI between Real Madrid and Liverpool.
Cafu doesn't think so, though.
Ahead of the match, Cafu was asked to select his combined XI between Real Madrid and Liverpool players by TNT Sports Brasil.
And his team makes for eyebrow-raising. View it below...
VIDEO: Cafu's Liverpool and Real Madrid combined XI
GK: Thibaut Courtois > Alisson Becker
RB: Trent Alexander-Arnold > Dani Carvajal
Soccer Football - Premier League - Brighton & Hove Albion v Liverpool - The American Express Community Stadium, Brighton, Britain - January 14, 2023 Liverpool's Trent Alexander-Arnold reacts REUTERS/Toby Melville EDITORIAL USE ONLY. No use with unauthorized audio, video, data, fixture lists, club/league logos or 'live' services. Online in-match use limited to 75 images, no video emulation. No use in betting, games or single club /league/player publications. Please contact your account representative for further details.
CB: Eder Militao > Ibrahima Konate
CB: Virgil van Dijk > Antonio Rudiger
LB: Andy Robertson > Ferland Mendy
CDM: Fabinho > Eduardo Camavinga
CM: Jordan Henderson > Luka Modric
CM: Thiago > Toni Kroos
RW: Mohamed Salah > Federico Valverde
LW: Vinicius Jr > Cody Gakpo
ST: Karim Benzema > Darwin Nunez
HELSINKI, FINLAND - AUGUST 10: Karim Benzema of Real Madrid celebrates scoring their side's second goal during the UEFA Super Cup Final 2022 between Real Madrid CF and Eintracht Frankfurt at Helsinki Olympic Stadium on August 10, 2022 in Helsinki, Finland. (Photo by Alex Grimm/Getty Images )
In total, seven Liverpool players feature in the XI.
Courtois, Militao, Vinicius and Benzema are the only four Real Madrid players that feature.
Cafu has selected a midfield trio consisting solely of Liverpool players, despite many feeling their midfield has been their major weakness this season.
The most surprising inclusion is that of Henderson instead of Ballon d'Or winner, Modric.
In Cafu's eyes it wasn't even a debate, either. "Henderson, without a shadow of a doubt", he said, per the Liverpool Echo, when picking between the two.
Cafu's Real Madrid and Liverpool XI is extremely bold, to say the least.
QUIZ: At what club did these players start their professional career?
You can find all of the latest football news and rumours right here.
To keep up to date with all our sports news, sign up to our weekly newsletter.